“I already beat you in a race before.” The first time we rode together they couldn’t even catch up with me. “What’s another?” I goad with a smile.
His friends make teasing sounds, growling like a bunch of idiots as I continue to sass.
“Fine,” Brook nods in acceptance, flashing a straight set of white teeth, “Let’s race.”
Lined up on the starting line, once the green flag drops in the air, we hit the throttle and take off.
The tires screech and the road becomes clear and blurry at the edges—it’s a combination that focuses me.
I switch from neutral, bang the gears up, and twist the throttle. I fly forward, taking some advantage and maintaining it as the wheels of my bike smoothly glide along the asphalt.
The wind blows hot on my body as I taste the sweet victory on my tongue, lap upon lap.
The engines are loud in my ears, I focus on the road ahead, zeroing in, and cross the finish line with a wheelie for the third time after three rounds.
I get off my bike and clap my hand into the competitor’s, giving it a firm shake as I peel my helmet off.
“Damn, girl!” Brooks says loudly. “Remind me not to race against you ever again. Your skills are beyond the amateur level.”
Lai jumps at me from behind and I turn to hug her.
“That was INSANE.” She bounces on her Vans, pumped. “You smoked them.”
“I wouldn’t say smoke,” Brook intervenes and we both raise our eyebrows, “Okay, you did. It was a great win.” He smiles adorably at Lai.
Is he…?
My eyes dance between the two.
It looks like she’s about to pass out from cuteness overload.
I give them a moment of peace and check another spot.
As I scan the area, my eyes land on her sparkling black paint and those wickedly gorgeous sounds—where the hell did they find that’71 Plymouth GTX?I have been a fan ofFast and Furioussince an early age.
“Girl, I know!” Lenny’s voice squeals from behind me.
“Holy crap!” I answer back.
“They are so sexy. They have the classics, the expensive muscle cars, and pretty much all kinds. Peoplelovethis place.“ Her vibrant energy colors her words as she shows me some other cars.
It’s only the first day of my third week here and I feel like I have been through—SO MUCH.
“Desert Peak has that wow effect.” She finishes her tour. “It’s become one of my favorite places. Dean and I are considering moving here.”
“It sure does. And you can be close to everyone if you do, I don’t mind babysitting.” I wiggle my eyebrows.
“Aww, I mean we love California and our beach house but maybe someday in the future, after the baby is born and we have more time on our hands we’ll consider the move.”
“I love that for you two.” I hug her, needing that hug myself. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Don’t make me cry.” She chuckles. “I should go to sleep, I’m really tired and it’s getting loud.”
Right as she finishes those words, Dean steps beside us. “Hey mama, let’s put you to bed. I got you all your favorite snacks and ice cream.”
“You know me so well.” She gives him a peck on the lips and waves at me. “Have fun, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I watch as they leave, completely in love with each other like when they first came to Vegas, four years ago.
